Polymyalgia Rheumatica

(PMR)

Pronounced: Pol-ee-my-al-ja Roo-MAT-ic-ah

by
Michelle Badash, MS

Definition

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder. It results in muscle pain and stiffness in the body. The effects are most common in the shoulders, arms, hips, and thighs. About 15% of people with PMR will also develop
giant cell arteritis
(GCA).
GCA is an inflammation of the lining of the arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Questions and answers about polymyalgia rheumatical and giant cell arteritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated April 2015. Accessed May 11, 2016.

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